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How to Make the Skywarrior Paper Airplane

Introduction: How to Make the Skywarrior Paper Airplane

The Skywarrior is a fast, long range and overall very large paper airplane that uses the airframes of two simple airplanes together. I consider this airplane as the paper equivalent of the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress.

Step 1: Materials

Step 2: Length and Corner Folding on the First Airframe

Begin by folding one piece of paper in half length-wise. Then pull the corners into the center.

Step 3: Sweep Folding

Fold the corner folds down to the center again. Do this on both sides. Proceed to then reverse the folding at the center line so that the aerodynamiclly "clean" is on the outside.

Step 4: Length and Corner Folding on the Second Airframe

Begin by folding one piece of paper in half length-wise. Then pull the corners into the center. Once both corners are folded into the center, reverse the center fold so the aerodynamically "clean"

Step 5: Merge and Tape the Two Airframes

Push the second airframe up to the back of the airfoil of the first airframe. Fold the two up along the center with the clean sides remaining outward. Tape the papers together on the underside where they meet, at the wingtips and center.

Step 6: Fold the Nose and Wings

Spread the paper open and then pull the nose back 2 inches from the "dirty" side to the "clean" side. From here, fold the wings down from about 1 inch above the center fold. Make the wings' trailing edges parallel the fuselage's rear so that there is no angle of incidence.

Step 7: Cut and Fold Your Winglets

About half way along the length of the wingtips, make a cut about 3/4 of an inch into the wing. Proceed to then fold the front winglets up above the wing and the rear winglets under the wing.

Step 8: Taping

The final taping of your Skywarrior is very simple. Tape the front and back of the fuselage together.

Step 9: Flight

The Skywarrior is a larger paper airplane that weighs twice as much as most paper airplanes. Because of its large wing though, wing loading is low and stalls are not a problem until very low speeds. To compensate for this, throw the aircraft fairly fast. In flight, the Skywarrior is extremely stable with its over-under winglet arrangement. Enjoy!

Right now I am unable to make motion videos, sorry. However, I can still help if given a few bits of info on your situation. Is it this specific step what you need help with? Or are several steps confusing you in making the Skywarrior?

Excellent to hear--this airplane has been quite impressive for me too. With as much wing area as this aircraft has, it will probably climb after launch. I hope you and your family enjoy this and thanks for subscribing!